When designing a room, one of the most common challenges is to brighten up a dark space. Did you know that the darkest rooms in your home are also the ones most likely to be overlooked? Thankfully, there are plenty of simple and affordable ways to bring them back into focus. Making small changes throughout your house can go a long way towards brightening it up and creating more flow. After all, a feeling of spaciousness is directly related to how much natural light you have coming in from windows or skylights. There are many small things you can do to make any room in your home feel lighter and airier. Follow these tips for brightening up your space and adding more positive vibes.
Remove heavy, dark curtains
One of the simplest things you can do right away is to remove heavy, dark curtains that absorb light. If privacy is not an issue in your home, you can leave windows completely bare to highlight the natural light that comes in. If you want to be able to create privacy as needed, use blinds or sheer curtains. Make sure to go with lighter colors.
Clean your windows
Cleaning your windows will have a significant impact on the amount of light that enters the room. A room with dirty windows will limit visibility and block out natural light. That’s why you should deep clean your windows at least twice a year. If you live in an area with high levels of pollution, you may need to clean your windows more often. Regular cleaning will reduce the amount of dust and grime that settles on the windows and keep your house looking fresh from inside and out.
Window cleaning can be a chore, but you can make it easier by tackling the job in phases. Start by washing the windows with a solution of water and vinegar, then wipe them down with a rag dampened with hot water. Finally, polish the glass with a homemade window cleaner or with a commercial product.
Choose lighter colors
You should avoid experimenting with a moody, dark color palette in a dark room. Dark colors absorb light, which is why they feel so cozy and warm. However, in an already dark room, they can create a feeling of claustrophobia. Light colors reflect light, which is why they feel more inviting. They also make your room look bigger and more spacious. That’s why you should go with lighter colors in dark rooms. Using light-colored paintings on the walls and ceiling will help brighten a naturally dark space by reflecting light around the space. The same goes for flooring, furniture, and accessories. I often see people basing their decisions only on their style and preferences. However, we should consider the impact of our decisions on the lighting in a dark room. It’s not the best idea to place a large dark-colored sofa in a dark room. A smaller, light-colored sofa will make your room feel more spacious and welcoming. It’s also not the best idea to go with dark wood for your furniture or your flooring. Opt for a light-wood!
Glossy white ceiling
White ceilings are typically painted with matte paint. My suggestion is to use glossy paint because it will reflect more light than matte paint, making your space feel brighter. If your ceiling has bumps, holes, or uneven surfaces you should consider prepping your ceiling since glossy painting makes imperfections more prominent.
Place mirrors
By taking advantage of the high reflectiveness of mirrors, you can double the amount of sunlight in your room. Mirrors are ideal for expanding visual space and brightening a dark room. Placing a mirror opposite a window or near a light source will increase its effectiveness. Placement of table lamps or floor lamps near mirrors may have a similar effect. The light from the lamp should be gentle but not too dim when reflected off the mirror. If possible, mirror a wall completely to bring in even more light!
Go with a large bright rug
Using a large bright rug is another great way to brighten up your dark space. Especially if your space features dark flooring and you don’t want to replace it. Instead of absorbing all the light as a dark floor does, the bright rug will reflect all the light. It will also add some texture and softness to your home and make your space visually more appealing. Also, make sure the rug is a larger size. It will help to expand visual space and draw you in, and a beautifully patterned rug will create a distraction.
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